The Bihar Legislative Council descended into turmoil on Thursday as opposition members staged a dramatic walkout. The protest erupted when Chief Minister Nitish Kumar stood up to deliver the government's response to the Governor's address, with the opposition claiming they were being denied a democratic right to speak.
Allegations of Undemocratic Conduct
The core of the conflict centered on amendment proposals to the motion of thanks for the Governor's address. Members of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and Left parties alleged that they were not given an opportunity to present their views on these amendments. They labeled this move as undemocratic behaviour and a procedural injustice.
Chairperson Awadhesh Naraian Singh attempted to clarify the situation, stating that the amendment motion had been taken up unanimously. He assured the House that if necessary, an opportunity would be provided to the opposition after the Leader of the House, CM Nitish Kumar, finished his speech. However, this assurance failed to pacify the agitated opposition members.
Rabri Devi Leads the Protest
The tension escalated when the Leader of the Opposition, Rabri Devi, stood up and forcefully argued that the opposition's voice was being deliberately suppressed. Following her lead, the members of the RJD, Congress, and Left parties collectively walked out of the House in protest.
In their absence, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar proceeded to deliver a detailed speech. He highlighted the state government's various achievements and policies in response to the Governor's address. Subsequently, the amendment motions were rejected, and the original motion of thanks was approved by the Council.
Opposition Voices Concerns Outside the House
The protest did not end at the Council doors. Opposition leaders continued to raise the issue with the media outside the chamber. Abdul Bari Siddiqui, the RJD's chief whip in the Council, strongly reiterated the allegation that they were prevented from speaking.
In his interaction with reporters, Siddiqui made a poignant remark, stating that a government should listen to all sides, including the opposition, before presenting its own. He expressed deep dismay, saying, "But for the first time in my parliamentary life, an opposition has not been allowed to keep its stand." This statement underscored the depth of the opposition's grievance regarding the day's proceedings.
